A METALLOCENE COMPOUND, A CATALYST COMPOSITION COMPRISING THE SAME, AND A METHOD OF PREPARING AN OLEFINIC POLYMER BY USING THE SAME (As amended)

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a novel metallocene compound, a catalyst composition including the same, and a method of preparing an olefinic polymer by using the same. The metallocene compound according to the present invention and the catalyst composition comprising the same can be used for producing olefinic polymers, have outstanding polymerizing ability, and can produce olefinic polymers of ultra high molecular weight. In particular, when the metallocene compound according to the present invention is employed, an olefinic polymer of ultra high molecular weight can be obtained because it shows high polymerization activity even when it is supported on a carrier and maintains high activity even in the presence of hydrogen because of its low hydrogen reactivity.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a novel metallocene compound, a catalyst composition including the same, and a method of preparing an olefinic polymer by using the same. This application claims priority to and the benefit of Korean Patent Application 10-2013-0091624 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Aug. 1, 2013, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

(b) Description of the Related Art

Dow Co. had presented [Me₂Si(Me₄C₅)NtBu]TiCl₂ (Constrained-Geometry Catalyst, hereinafter ‘CGC’) in the early 1990's (U.S. Pat. No. 5,064,802), the superior aspects of the CGC to prior known metallocene catalysts in copolymerization reaction of ethylene and α-olefin can be largely summarized into two ways as follows: (1) it shows high activity even in high polymerization temperature and forms a polymer of high molecular weight, (2) the copolymerizing ability of α-olefin such as 1-hexene and 1-octene which have large steric hindrance is also very excellent. In addition, as various characteristics in the polymerization reaction of the CGC became gradually known, there have been many efforts to synthesize derivatives of the same for using it as a polymerization catalyst in the academic world and the industrial world.

Group 4 transition metal compound which has one or two cyclopentadienyl groups as the ligand can be used as a catalyst for olefin polymerization by activating the same with methylaluminoxane or a boron compound. Such catalyst shows unique characteristics that traditional Zeigler-Natta catalyst cannot realize.

Namely, the polymer obtained by using such catalyst has narrow molecular weight distribution and more good reactivity to the second monomer such as α-olefin or cycloolefin, and the second monomer distribution in the polymer is even. Furthermore, it is possible to control the stereoselectivity of the polymer in the polymerization of α-olefin by changing the substituent of the cyclopentadienyl ligand in the metallocene catalyst, and the degree of copolymerization, the molecular weight, and the distribution of the second monomer can be easily controlled in copolymerization of ethylene and other olefins.

Meanwhile, since the metallocene catalyst is more expensive than Zeigler-Natta catalyst, it must have good activity for its economic value. If it has good reactivity to the second monomer, there is an advantage of that the polymer including large content of the second monomer can be obtained by using only small amount of the second monomer.

As the results that many researchers have studied various catalysts, it is proved that generally a bridged catalyst has good reactivity to the second monomer. The bridged catalyst developed until now can be classified into three types according the type of the bridge. The first type is the catalyst of which two cyclopentadienyl ligands are connected with an alkylene dibridge by the reaction of an electrophile like an alkyl halide and indene or fluorene, the second type of the silicone-bridged catalyst of which the ligands are connected with —SiR₂—, and the third type is the methylene-bridged catalyst which is obtained by the reaction of fulvene and indene or fluorene.

However, very few catalysts have been being applied in practice in commercial factories among above attempts, and thus the preparation of catalyst showing more improved polymerization performance is still required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To resolve the problems of prior technology, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a metallocene compound that is superior in activity and can form an olefinic polymer having high molecular weight, a catalyst composition including the same, a method of preparing an olefinic polymer by using the same, and an olefinic polymer prepared by using the same.

Specifically, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a metallocene compound which shows high polymerization activity even when it is supported on a carrier and maintains high activity even in the presence of hydrogen because of its low hydrogen reactivity and can prepare an olefinic polymer of ultra high molecular weight, a catalyst composition including the same, a method of preparing an olefinic polymer by using the same, and an olefinic polymer prepared by using the same.

The present invention provides a metallocene compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:

In Chemical Formula 1,

A is hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl group, a C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group, or a C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group;

D is —O—, —S—, —N(R)—, or —Si(R)(R′)—, wherein R and R′ are same to or different from each other, and are independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group;

L is a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkylene group;

B is carbon, silicon, or germanium;

Q is hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group;

M is a group 4 transition metal;

X₁ and X₂ are, same to or different from each other, independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a nitro group, an amido group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, or a C₁-C₂₀ sulfonate group; and

C₁ and C₂ are, same to or different from each other, independently represented by any one of the following Chemical Formula 2a and Chemical Formula 2b:

In Chemical Formulae 2a and 2b, R₁ to R₉ and R₁′ to R₉′ are, same to or different from each other, independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ silylalkyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxysilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group.

The present invention also provides a catalyst composition including the metallocene compound.

The present invention also provides a method of preparing an olefinic polymer including the step of polymerizing olefinic monomers in the presence of the catalyst composition.

The present invention also provides an olefinic polymer prepared by the preparation method.

The metallocene compound according to the present invention or the catalyst composition comprising the same can be used for producing olefinic polymers, have outstanding activity, and can produce olefinic polymers of high molecular weight.

In particular, when the metallocene compound according to the present invention is employed, an olefinic polymer of ultra high molecular weight can be obtained because it shows high polymerization activity even when it is supported on a carrier and maintains high activity even in the presence of hydrogen because of its low hydrogen reactivity.

Furthermore, the activity of the catalyst can be maintained for a long residence time in a reactor because of its long life time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the present invention, the terms “the first”, “the second”, and the like are used for explaining various components and said terms are only used for distinguishing one component from the other components.

Furthermore, the terms used in this description are just for explaining exemplary examples and it is not intended to restrict the present invention. The singular expression may include the plural expression unless it is differently expressed contextually. It must be understood that the terms such as “include”, “equip”, and “have” in the present description are only used for designating the existence of characteristics taken effect, numbers, steps, components, or combinations thereof, and do not exclude the existence or the possibility of addition of one or more different characteristics, numbers, steps, components of combinations thereof beforehand.

Additionally, the word “on” or “above”, as used in the context of formation or construction of one layer or element, means pertaining to the direct formation or construction of one layer or element on another layer or element directly or the additional formation or construction of one layer or element between layers or on a subject or substrate.

The present invention can be variously modified and have various forms, and specific examples of the present invention are explained in this description. However, it is not intended to limit the present invention to the specific examples and it must be understood that the present invention includes every modifications, equivalents, or replacements included in the idea and technical scope of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the present invention is explained in more detail.

The metallocene compound according to the present invention is characterized in that it is represented by the following Chemical Formula 1.

In Chemical Formula 1,

A is hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl group, a C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group, or a C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group;

D is —O—, —S—, —N(R)—, or —Si(R)(R′)—, wherein R and R′ are same to or different from each other, and are independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group;

L is a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkylene group;

B is carbon, silicon, or germanium;

Q is hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group;

M is a group 4 transition metal;

X₁ and X₂ are, same to or different from each other, independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a nitro group, an amido group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, or a C₁-C₂₀ sulfonate group; and

C₁ and C₂ are, same to or different from each other, independently represented by any one of the following Chemical Formula 2a and Chemical Formula 2b:

In Chemical Formulae 2a and 2b, R₁ to R₉ and R₁′ to R₉′ are, same to or different from each other, independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ silylalkyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxysilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group.

In the metallocene compound of the present invention, the substituents of Chemical Formula 1 are more specifically explained as follows.

The C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group may include a linear or branched alkyl group, and, specifically, it may be methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, and the like, however, it is not limited to them.

The C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group may include a linear or branched alkenyl group, and, specifically, it may be allyl group, ethenyl group, propenyl group, butenyl group, pentenyl group, and the like, however, it is not limited to them.

The C₆-C₂₀ aryl group may include a single ring aryl group or a condensed ring aryl group, and, specifically, it may be phenyl group, biphenyl group, naphthyl group, phenanthrenyl group, fluorenyl group, and the like, however, it is not limited to them.

The C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group may include a single ring heteroaryl group or a condensed ring heteroaryl group, and, specifically, it may be carbazolyl group, pyridyl group, quinoline group, isoquinoline group, thiophenyl group, furanyl group, imidazole group, oxazolyl group, thiazolyl group, triazine group, tetrahydropyranyl group, tetrahydrofuranyl group, and the like, however, it is not limited to them.

The C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group may be methoxy group, ethoxy group, phenyloxy group, cyclohexyloxy group, and the like, however, it is not limited to them.

The Group 4 transition metal may be titanium, zirconium, hafnium, and the like, however, it is not limited to them.

In the metallocene compound according to the present invention, it is preferable that R₁ to R₉ and R₁′ to R₉′ in Chemical Formulae 2a and 2b are independently hydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, phenyl group, a halogen group, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, tripropylsilyl group, tributylsilyl group, triisopropylsilyl group, trimethylsilylmethyl group, methoxy group, or ethoxy group, however, it is not limited to them.

In the metallocene compound according to the present invention, it is preferable that L in Chemical Formula 1 is a C₄-C₈ linear or branched alkylene group, however, it is not limited to them. Furthermore, the alkylene group may be unsubstituted or substituted with a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group.

In the metallocene compound according to the present invention, it is preferable that A in Chemical Formula 1 is hydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, methoxymethyl group, tert-butoxybutyl group, 1-ethoxyethyl group, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl group, tetrahydropyranyl group, or tetrahydrofuranyl group, however, it is not limited to them.

In the metallocene compound according to the present invention, B in Chemical Formula 1 is preferably silicon, however, it is not limited to this.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific example of the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2a may be one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulae, however, it is not limited to them:

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific example of the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2b may be one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulae, however, it is not limited to them:

According to one embodiment of the present invention, specific example of the compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 may be one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulae, however, it is not limited to them:

The metallocene compound according to the present invention is superior in activity and can polymerize an olefinic polymer having high molecular weight. Particularly, it can show high polymerization activity even when it is supported on a carrier. Therefore, it can prepare an olefinic polymer of ultra high molecular weight when it is used as a supported catalyst.

More specifically, the metallocene compound according to the present invention can be efficiently supported on the surface of a carrier having a Lewis acid character because of having an unshared electron pair which can act as a Lewis base in the ligand structure, and shows high polymerization activity even when it is supported on the carrier. Furthermore, it is superior in activity because of including electron-rich indenoindole group and low in hydrogen reactivity because of a proper steric hindrance and an electronic effect of the ligand, and thus it maintains high activity even in the presence of hydrogen. Furthermore, it can be used for preparing an olefinic polymer of ultra high molecular weight because nitrogen atom of the indenoindole derivative stabilizes the beta-hydrogen of growing polymer chain with a hydrogen bond and inhibits beta-hydrogen elimination.

The metallocene compound of Chemical Formula 1 may be obtained by connecting indenoindole derivatives (C1, C2) with a bridge compound for preparing a ligand compound, and carrying out a metallation by putting a metal precursor compound therein, however, it is not limited to this.

More specifically, for example, after preparing a lithium salt by reacting indenoindole derivatives (C1, C2) with an organic lithium compound such as n-BuLi, the ligand compound is prepared by mixing a halogenated compound of a bridge compound therewith and reacting the mixture. After mixing the ligand compound or the lithium salt thereof and the metal precursor compound and reacting the same for about 12 to 24 hrs until the reaction is completed, the metallocene compound of Chemical Formula 1 may be obtained by filtering the reaction product and drying the same under a decompressed condition.

The preparation method of the metallocene compound according to the present invention is concretely disclosed in the following Examples.

The present invention also provides a catalyst composition including the metallocene compound.

The catalyst composition according to the present invention may further include at least one cocatalyst represented by Chemical Formula 3, Chemical Formula 4, or Chemical Formula 5.

—[Al(R10)-O]_(n)—  [Chemical Formula 3]

In Chemical Formula 3,

each R10 may be same or different, and is independently a halogen; a C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon; or a halogen-substituted C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon; and

n is an integer of 2 or more;

J(R10)₃  [Chemical Formula 4]

In Chemical Formula 4,

R10 is same as that in Chemical Formula 3; and

J is aluminum or boron;

[E-H]⁺[ZA′₄]⁻ or [E]⁺[ZA′₄]⁻  [Chemical Formula 5]

In Chemical Formula 5,

E is a neutral or cationic Lewis acid;

H is hydrogen atom;

Z is group 13 element; and

each A′ may be same or different, and is independently a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group or a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group of which at least one hydrogen atom is unsubstituted or substituted with a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon, an alkoxy, or phenoxy.

Representative example of the compound of Chemical Formula 3 may be methylaluminoxane, ethylaluminoxane, isobutylaluminoxane, butylaluminoxane, and the like, and more preferable compound may be methylaluminoxane.

Representative example of the compound represented by Chemical Formula 4 may include trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, triisobutylaluminum, tripropylaluminum, tributylaluminum, dimethylchloroaluminum, triisopropylaluminum, tri-s-butylaluminum, tricyclopentylaluminum, tripentylaluminum, triisopentylaluminum, trihexylaluminum, trioctylaluminum, ethyldimethylaluminum, methyldiethylaluminum, triphenylaluminum, tri-p-tolylaluminum, dimethylaluminum methoxide, dimethylaluminum ethoxide, trimethylboron, triethylboron, triisobutylboron, tripropylboron, tributylboron, and the like, and more preferable compound may be selected from trimethylaluminum, triethylaluminum, and triisobutylaluminum.

Representative example of the compound of Chemical Formula 5 may be triethylammonium tetraphenylboron, tributylammonium tetraphenylboron, trimethylammonium tetraphenylboron, tripropylammonium tetraphenylboron, trimethylammonium tetra(p-tolyl)boron, trimethylammonium tetra(o,p-dimethylphenyl)boron, tributylammonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)boron, trimethylammonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)boron, tributylammonium tetrapentafluorophenylboron, N,N-diethylanilinium tetraphenylboron, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrapentafluorophenylboron, diethylammonium tetrapentafluorophenylboron, triphenylphosphonium tetraphenylboron, trimethylphosphonium tetraphenylboron, triethylammonium tetraphenylaluminum, tributylammonium tetraphenylaluminum, trimethylammonium tetraphenylaluminum, tripropylammonium tetraphenylaluminum, trimethylammonium tetra(p-tolyl)aluminum, tripropylammonium tetra(p-tolyl)aluminum, triethylammonium tetra(o,p-dimethylphenyl)aluminum, tributylammonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)aluminum, trimethylammonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)aluminum, tributylammonium tetrapentafluorophenylaluminum, N,N-diethylanilinium tetraphenylaluminum, N,N-diethylanilinium tetrapentafluorophenylaluminum, diethylammonium tetrapentatetraphenylaluminum, triphenylphosphonium tetraphenylaluminum, trimethylphosphonium tetraphenylaluminum, tripropylammonium tetra(p-tolyl)boron, triethylammonium tetra(o,p-dimethylphenyl)boron, tributylammonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)boron, triphenylcarbonium tetra(p-trifluoromethylphenyl)boron, triphenylcarbonium tetrapentafluorophenylboron, and the like.

Alumoxane may be used preferably, and methylalumoxane (MAO), an alkyl alumoxane, may be used more preferably.

The catalyst composition according to the present invention may be prepared by the method including the steps of 1) contacting the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 with the compound represented by Chemical Formula 3 or Chemical Formula 4 and obtaining a mixture; and 2) adding the compound represented by Chemical Formula 5 into the mixture, as the first method.

Furthermore, the catalyst composition according to the present invention may be prepared by the method of contacting the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 with the compound represented by Chemical Formula 3, as the second method.

In the first method of preparing the catalyst composition, the mole ratio of the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1/the compound represented by Chemical Formula 3 or Chemical Formula 4 is preferably 1/5,000 to 1/2, more preferably 1/1,000 to 1/10, and still more preferably 1/500 to 1/20. When the mole ratio of the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1/the compound represented by Chemical Formula 3 or Chemical Formula 4 is larger than 1/2, there is a problem of that the alkylating agent is very small in quantity and the metal compound is not completely alkylated, and when the mole ratio is lesser than 1/5,000, the alkylation of the metal compound is accomplished but there is a problem of that the alkylated metal compound is not completely activated due to the side reaction between the remaining excess alkylating agent and the activator of Chemical Formula 5. Furthermore, the mole ratio of the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1/the compound represented by Chemical Formula 5 is preferably 1/25 to 1, more preferably 1/10 to 1, and still more preferably 1/5 to 1. When the mole ratio of the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1/the compound represented by Chemical Formula 5 is larger than 1, there is a problem of that the activity of the prepared catalyst composition is deteriorated because the activator is relatively small in quantity and the metal compound is not completely activated, and when the mole ratio is lesser than 1/25, the activation of the metal compound is completely accomplished but there is a problem of that the cost of the catalyst composition is not economical or the purity of the polymer prepared by using the same is decreased due to the remaining excess activator.

In the second method of preparing the catalyst composition, the mole ratio of the metallocene compound represented by Chemical Formula 1/the compound represented by Chemical Formula 3 is preferably 1/10,000 to 1/10, more preferably 1/5,000 to 1/100, and still more preferably 1/3,000 to 1/500. When the mole ratio is larger than 1/10, there is a problem of that the activity of the prepared catalyst composition is deteriorated because the activator is relatively small in quantity and the metal compound is not completely activated, and when the mole ratio is lesser than 1/10,000, the activation of the metal compound is completely accomplished but there is a problem of that the cost of the catalyst composition is not economical or the purity of the polymer prepared by using the same is decreased due to the remaining excess activator.

As the reaction solvent for preparing the catalyst composition, a hydrocarbon solvent such as pentane, hexane, heptane, and the like, or an aromatic solvent such as benzene, toluene, and the like may be used. Furthermore, the metallocene compound and the cocatalyst may be used in the form of that they are supported on silica or alumina.

When the metallocene compound and the cocatalyst are used in the form of being supported on a carrier, the amount of the metallocene compound may be about 0.5 to about 20 parts by weight and the amount of the cocatalyst may be about 1 to about 1,000 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the carrier. Preferably, the amount of the metallocene compound may be about 1 to about 15 parts by weight and the amount of the cocatalyst may be about 10 to about 500 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the carrier. And, more preferably, the amount of the metallocene compound may be about 1 to about 100 parts by weight and the amount of the cocatalyst may be about 40 to about 150 parts by weight, per 100 parts by weight of the carrier.

Meanwhile, the carrier may be a metal, a metal salt, or a metal oxide that is usually used as a carrier of a supported catalyst, and it is not limited. Specifically, it may include any carrier selected from the group consisting of silica, silica-alumina and silica-magnesia. The carrier may be dried at high temperature, and generally it may include an oxide, a carbonate, a sulfate or a nitrate of a metal, such as Na₂O, K₂CO₃, BaSO₄, Mg(NO₃)₂, and so on.

The less hydroxy (—OH) groups on the surface of the carrier, the better, but it is practically difficult to eliminate all of hydroxy groups. The amount of hydroxy groups may be controlled by the preparation method, the preparation conditions, the drying conditions (temperature, time, drying method, and so on), and so on of the carrier, and it is preferably 0.1 to 10 mmol/g, more preferably 0.1 to 1 mmol/g, and still more preferably 0.1 to 0.5 mmol/g. In order to reduce the side-reaction by some hydroxy groups left after drying, a carrier from which hydroxy groups are chemically eliminated with preserving siloxane groups having large reactivity for supporting may be used.

The present invention also provides a method of preparing an olefinic polymer including the step of polymerizing olefinic monomers in the presence of the catalyst composition including the metallocene compound, and an olefinic polymer prepared by the preparation method.

The polymerization reaction may be carried out as a homopolymerization of an olefinic monomer or a copolymerization of two or more monomers, using a continuous slurry polymerization reactor, a loop slurry reactor, a gas phase reactor, or a solution reactor.

The polymerization of the olefinic monomer may be carried out at the temperature of about 25 to about 500° C. and the pressure of about 1 to about 100 kgf/cm² for about 1 to about 24 hrs. Specifically, the polymerization of the olefinic monomer may be carried out at the temperature of about 25 to about 200° C., and preferably about 50 to about 100° C. Furthermore, the reaction pressure may be about 1 to about 100 kgf/cm², preferably about 1 to about 50 kgf/cm², and more preferably about 5 to about 40 kgf/cm².

In the olefinic polymer prepared according to the present invention, specific example of the olefinic monomer may be ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, 1-eicosene, and the like, it is also possible to copolymerize two or more monomers among them by mixture.

The olefinic polymer may be polyethylene polymer but it is not limited to this.

In the case of that the olefinic polymer is the ethylene/α-olefin copolymer, the content of α-olefin, a comonomer, is not limited particularly, and it may be adequately selected according to the use or purpose of the olefinic polymer. More specifically, it may be over 0 mole % and 99 mole % or less.

The olefinic polymer prepared by the method can show high molecular weight.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the olefinic polymer may be about 20,000 to about 3,000,000 g/mol, or about 30,000 to about 2,000,000 g/mol. Particularly, when the olefinic polymer is prepared by using a catalyst composition including the metallocene compound supported on a carrier, it is possible to prepare the olefinic polymer having high molecular weight of about 500,000 g/mol or more, for example, about 500,000 to about 3,000,000 g/mol, or about 500,000 to about 2,000,000 g/mol.

Furthermore, the molecular weight distribution (Mw/Mn) of the olefinic polymer may be about 1.5 to about 15, and preferably about 2.0 to about 10.

Furthermore, according to one embodiment of the present invention, the density of the olefinic polymer may be about 0.85 to about 0.96 g/cm³, and preferably about 0.90 to about 0.95 g/cm³.

Therefore, the olefinic polymer according to the present invention shows ultra high molecular weight and can be variously applied according to its use.

Hereinafter, the present invention provides preferable examples for illuminating the present invention. However, following examples are only for understanding the present invention, and the range of the present invention is not limited to or by them.

Examples Preparation of Metallocene Compound Preparation Example 1

1-1) Preparation of Ligand Compound

After putting 2.1 g (9 mmol) of 5,8-dimethyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in a 250 mL flask, replacing the inside of the flask with argon atmosphere, and dissolving the same in 50 mL of THF, 3.9 mL (9.75 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath. Yellow slurry was obtained by stirring the same overnight at room temperature. After adding 50 mL of hexane to the slurry, 1.35 g of (6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane was added thereto in drops with a syringe in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After sampling a small dose of the reaction product and checking the completion of the reaction with ¹H-NMR analysis, the filtrate was obtained by vacuum drying the solvent, dissolving the product in 70 mL of toluene, and filtering the same for eliminating LiCl therefrom, and the filtrate was used in a metallation reaction as it was.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): −0.24 (3H, m), 0.30˜1.40 (10H, m), 1.15 (9H, d), 2.33 (6H, d), 3.19 (2H, m), 4.05 (6H, d), 4.00 (2H, d), 6.95˜7.72 (14H, m)

1-2) Preparation of Metallocene Compound

After adding 2 ml of MTBE to the toluene solution of the ligand compound synthesized in process 1-1, 3.9 mL (9.75 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred at room temperature. Slurry was prepared by putting 1.7 g (4.5 mmol) of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in another flask and adding 100 mL of toluene thereto. The ZrCl₄(THF)₂/toluene slurry was transferred to the lithiated ligand in a dry ice/acetone bath. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and it was changed into violet color. After filtering the reacted solution for eliminating LiCl therefrom and vacuum drying the filtrate, hexane was added thereto and the mixture was sonicated. 3.44 g (yield 92.6 mol %) of filtered solid metallocene compound of dark violet color was obtained by filtering the slurry.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): 1.20 (9H, d), 1.74 (3H, d), 1.50˜2.36 (10H, m), 2.54 (6H, d), 3.40 (2H, m), 3.88 (6H, d), 6.48˜7.90 (14H, m)

Preparation Example 2

2-1) Preparation of Ligand Compound

After putting 2.63 g (12 mmol) of 5-methyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in a 250 mL flask and dissolving the same in 50 mL of THF, 6 mL of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After preparing a solution by dissolving 1.62 g (6 mmol) of (6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane in 100 mL of hexane in another 250 mL flask, the solution was slowly added to the lithiated solution of 5-methyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After the reaction, the product was extracted with ether/water, and 3.82 g (6 mmol) of the ligand compound was obtained by eliminating the remaining moisture from the organic layer with MgSO₄ and vacuum drying the same, and it was recognized by ¹H-NMR analysis.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): −0.33 (3H, m), 0.86˜1.53 (10H, m), 1.16 (9H, d), 3.18 (2H, m), 4.07 (3H, d), 4.12 (3H, d), 4.17 (1H, d), 4.25 (1H, d), 6.95˜7.92 (16H, m)

2-2) Preparation of Metallocene Compound

After dissolving 3.82 g (6 mmol) of the ligand compound synthesized in process 2-1 in 100 mL of toluene and 5 mL of MTBE, 5.6 mL (14 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Slurry was prepared by putting 2.26 g (6 mmol) of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in another flask and adding 100 mL of toluene thereto. The ZrCl₄(THF)₂/toluene slurry was transferred to the lithiated ligand in a dry ice/acetone bath. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and it was changed into violet color. After filtering the reacted solution for eliminating LiCl therefrom and vacuum drying the filtrate, hexane was added thereto and the mixture was sonicated. 3.40 g (yield 71.1 mol %) of filtered solid metallocene compound of dark violet color was obtained by filtering the slurry.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): 1.74 (3H, d), 0.85˜2.33 (10H, m), 1.29 (9H, d), 3.87 (3H, s), 3.92 (3H, s), 3.36 (2H, m), 6.48˜8.10 (16H, m)

Preparation Example 3

3-1) Preparation of Ligand Compound

After dissolving 20 mmol of 8-methyl-5-(trimethylsilyl)-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in 60 mL of diethyl-ether, 9.5 mL of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred at room temperature. The solution of reddish orange color was added to the solution prepared by dissolving 3.0 g of (6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane in 60 mL hexane in drops and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After the reaction, the solution was filtered for eliminating LiCl and 7.78 g (10 mmol) of violet oil was obtained by drying the filtrate.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, C6D6): −0.04 (3H, m), 0.46˜1.60 (10H, m), 0.50 (18H, m), 1.11 (9H, m), 2.32 (6H, m), 3.14 (2H, m), 4.29 (2H, q), 6.90˜7.90 (14H, m)

3-2) Preparation of Metallocene Compound

After dissolving 7.78 g (10 mmol) of the ligand compound synthesized in process 3-1 in mL of toluene and 2.5 mL of MTBE, 9 mL (22.5 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Slurry was prepared by putting 3.9 g of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in another flask and adding 80 mL of toluene thereto. The ZrCl₄(THF)₂/toluene slurry was transferred to the lithiated ligand in a dry ice/acetone bath. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and it was changed into violet color. After vacuum drying the product for eliminating 150 mL of the solvent therefrom, 7.93 g (yield 75.2 mol %) of the metallocene compound including LiCl was obtained by adding 100 mL of hexane thereto and recrystallizing the same.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, C6D6): 0.51 (18H, m), 1.15 (9H, m), 1.64 (3H, m), 0.80˜2.40 (10H, m), 2.57 (6H, m), 3.33 (2H, m), 6.50˜8.20 (14H, m)

Preparation Example 4

4-1) Preparation of Ligand Compound

After putting 6.1 g (20 mmol) of 8-methyl-5-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in a 250 mL flask and dissolving the same in 70 mL of THF, 9 mL of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After preparing a solution by dissolving 3.0 g of (6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane in 100 mL of hexane in another 250 mL flask, the solution was slowly added to the lithiated solution of 8-methyl-5-((trimethylsilyl)methyl)-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After the reaction, the product was extracted with ether/water, and 7.93 g (9.8 mmol) of the ligand compound was obtained by eliminating the remaining moisture from the organic layer with MgSO₄ and vacuum drying the same, and it was recognized by ¹H-NMR analysis.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, C6D6): −0.08 (18H, m), −0.04 (3H, m), 0.40˜1.60 (10H, m), 1.12 (9H, m), 2.33 (6H, m), 3.17 (2H, m), 3.79 (4H, m), 4.35 (2H, m), 6.90˜7.82 (14H, m)

4-2) Preparation of Metallocene Compound

After dissolving 7.93 g (9.8 mmol) of the ligand compound synthesized in process 4-1 in 100 mL of toluene and 2.5 mL of MTBE, 8.6 mL (21.5 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Slurry was prepared by putting 3.9 g of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in another flask and adding 80 mL of toluene thereto. The ZrCl₄(THF)₂/toluene slurry was transferred to the lithiated ligand in a dry ice/acetone bath. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and it was changed into violet color. After vacuum drying the product for eliminating the solvent therefrom, it was dissolved in 150 mL of hexane and filtered for eliminating LiCl therefrom. The filtrate was vacuum dried and 8.27 g (yield 87.0 mol %) of the metallocene compound was obtained.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, C6D6): 0.11 (18H, m), 1.22 (9H, m), 1.80 (3H, m), 0.80˜2.40 (10H, m), 2.60 (6H, m), 3.46 (2H, m), 3.92 (4H, m), 6.50˜8.00 (14H, m)

Preparation Example 5

5-1) Preparation of Ligand Compound

After putting 4.2 g (15 mmol) of 5-phenyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in a 250 mL flask and dissolving the same in 50 mL of THF, 7.2 mL of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After preparing a solution by dissolving 2.03 g (7.5 mmol) of (6-(tert-butoxy)hexyl)dichloro(methyl)silane in 100 mL of hexane in another 250 mL flask, the solution was slowly transferred to the lithiated 5-phenyl-5,10-dihydroindeno[1,2-b]indole in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. After the reaction, the product was extracted with ether/water, and 5.7 g (7.5 mmol) of the ligand compound was obtained by eliminating the remaining moisture from the organic layer with MgSO₄ and vacuum drying the same, and it was recognized by ¹H-NMR analysis.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl3): −0.32˜−0.22 (3H, d), 0.82˜1.85 (10H, m), 1.16 (9H, d), 3.16 (2H, m), 4.32 (1H, d), 4.43 (1H, d), 7.05˜7.71 (26H, m)

5-2) Preparation of Metallocene Compound

After dissolving 5.7 g (7.5 mmol) of the ligand compound synthesized in process 5-1 in 100 mL of toluene and 5 mL of MTBE, 6.6 mL (16.5 mmol) of 2.5 M n-BuLi hexane solution was added thereto in drops in a dry ice/acetone bath and the mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. Slurry was prepared by putting 2.83 g (7.5 mmol) of ZrCl₄(THF)₂ in another flask and adding 100 mL of toluene thereto. The ZrCl₄(THF)₂/toluene slurry was transferred to the lithiated ligand in a dry ice/acetone bath. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature and it was changed into violet color. After filtering the reacted solution for eliminating LiCl therefrom and vacuum drying the filtrate, hexane was added thereto and the mixture was sonicated. 4.0 g (yield 57.6 mol %) of filtered solid metallocene compound of dark violet color was obtained by filtering the slurry.

¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃): 1.8 (3H, d), 0.84˜2.33 (10H, m), 1.18 (9H, m), 3.38 (2H, m), 6.52˜8.20 (26H, m)

Preparation Examples of Supported Catalysts Preparation Example 6

A silica carrier was prepared by dehydrating silica (SYLOPOL 948, produced by Grace Davison Co.) at 400° C. under a vacuum condition for 12 hrs.

After putting 100 mL of toluene solution in a glass reactor of room temperature and adding 10 g of the prepared silica carrier, the solution was stirred with elevating the temperature of the reactor to 40° C. When the silica was sufficiently dispersed, 60.6 mL of 10 wt % methylaluminoxane (MAO)/toluene solution was added thereto and the mixture was stirred with 200 rpm for 16 hrs after elevating the temperature to 80° C. Subsequently, the temperature thereof was decreased to 40° C. again and the unreacted aluminum compound was eliminated by washing the same with a sufficient amount of toluene. After putting 100 mL of toluene therein again, 0.5 mmol of the metallocene compound prepared in Preparation Example 1 was added thereto and the mixture was stirred for 2 hrs. After stopping stirring when the reaction was terminated, the toluene layer was separated and eliminated therefrom and the supported catalyst was obtained by decompressing the same at 40° C. for eliminating the remaining toluene.

Preparation Example 7

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same method as in Preparation Example 6, except that 0.5 mmol of the metallocene compound prepared in Preparation Example 2 was used.

Comparative Preparation Example 1

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same method as in Preparation Example 6, except that 0.5 mmol of (tert-Bu-O—(CH₂)₆)(CH₃)Si(C₅(CH₃)₄)(NCMe₃)TiCl₂ prepared according to Example 6 disclosed in Korean Patent No. 0690345 was used.

Comparative Preparation Example 2

The supported catalyst was prepared according to the same method as in Preparation Example 6, except that 0.5 mmol of (tert-Bu-O—(CH₂)₆)MeSi(9-C₁₃H₉)₂ZrCl₂ prepared according to Preparation Example 1 disclosed in Korean Patent No. 1154507 was used.

Examples of Solution Polymerization Ethylene Polymerization Example 1

A 300 mL Andrew bottle was assembled with impeller part and the inside thereof was replaced with argon in a glove box. After putting 180 mL of toluene in the Andrew bottle, 10 mL of MAO (10 wt % in toluene) solution was added thereto. 20 μmol of the metallocene compound catalyst prepared in Preparation Example 1 was put in a separate 100 mL flask and dissolved in 20 mL of toluene. 5 mL (5 μmol) of the catalyst solution was taken and put in the Andrew bottle, and the mixture was stirred for 5 mins. The Andrew bottle was immersed in an oil bath of 90° C. and the mixture was stirred for 5 mins by using a mechanical stirrer fixed at the upper part of the bottle until the temperature of the reaction solution reached 90° C. The inside of the bottle was purged with ethylene gas 3 times, and pressure was slowly raised up to 50 psig by opening the ethylene valve. The reaction was carried out for 30 mins with operating the mechanical stirrer with 500 rpm while maintaining the pressure by continuously providing ethylene as much as ethylene consumed. When the reaction finished, the gas in the reactor was slowly vented for reducing the pressure in the reactor after locking the ethylene valve and stopping stirring. After disassembling the cover of the reactor, the reacted product was poured in 400 mL of ethanol/aqueous HCl solution mixture, and the mixture was stirred for about 2 hrs and filtered. The polymer obtained by filtering was dried at 65° C. for 20 hrs in a vacuum oven. The obtained polymer was weighed for calculating the activity of the catalyst, and was used for additional analyses.

Examples 2 to 5

The ethylene polymerization was carried out according to the same method as in Example 1, except that the metallocene compound catalysts of Preparation Examples 2 to 5 were used respectively, and the obtained polymers were analyzed.

Ethylene-1-Hexene Copolymerization Example 6

A 300 mL Andrew bottle was assembled with impeller part and the inside thereof was replaced with argon in a glove box. After putting 180 mL of toluene in the Andrew bottle, 10 mL of MAO (10 wt % in toluene) solution was added thereto. 20 μmol of the metallocene compound catalyst prepared in Preparation Example 1 was put in a separate 100 mL flask and dissolved in 20 mL of toluene. 5 mL (5 μmol) of the catalyst solution was taken and put in the Andrew bottle, and the mixture was stirred for 5 mins. The Andrew bottle was immersed in an oil bath of 90° C. and the mixture was stirred for 5 mins by using a mechanical stirrer fixed at the upper part of the bottle until the temperature of the reaction solution reached 90° C. After stopping stirring, 5 mL of 1-hexene was put in the bottle under an argon atmosphere, the inside of the bottle was purged with ethylene gas 3 times, and pressure was slowly raised up to 50 psig by opening the ethylene valve. The reaction was carried out for 30 mins with operating the mechanical stirrer with 500 rpm while maintaining the pressure by continuously providing ethylene as much as ethylene consumed. When the reaction finished, the gas in the reactor was slowly vented for reducing the pressure in the reactor after locking the ethylene valve and stopping stirring. After disassembling the cover of the reactor, the reacted product was poured in 400 mL of ethanol/aqueous HCl solution mixture, and the mixture was stirred for about 2 hrs and filtered. The polymer obtained by filtering was dried at 65° C. for 20 hrs in a vacuum oven. The obtained polymer was weighed for calculating the activity of the catalyst, and was used for additional analyses.

Examples 7 to 10

The ethylene-1-hexene copolymerization was carried out according to the same method as in Example 6, except that the metallocene compound catalysts of Preparation Examples 2 to 5 were used respectively, and the obtained polymers were analyzed.

The activities of the catalysts, and the molecular weights and distributions of the polymers of Examples 1 to 10 are listed in the following Table 1.

TABLE 1 Activity 1-Hx (unit: 1-Hexene Mw Input kg/ Content (unit: Catalysts (unit: mmol/ (unit: g/ Mw/ Used mL) hr) mol %) mol) Mn Example Preparation 0 7.5 — 33,000 3.4 1 Example 1 Example Preparation 0 8.5 — 36,000 4.4 2 Example 2 Example Preparation 0 5.8 — 65,300 3.4 3 Example 3 Example Preparation 0 8.7 — 22,900 2.6 4 Example 4 Example Preparation 0 6.7 — 91,700 9.8 5 Example 5 Example Preparation 5 7.6 4.0 48,500 3.3 6 Example 1 Example Preparation 5 7.5 3.4 57,200 3.5 7 Example 2 Example Preparation 5 3.6 3.7 144,600 6.1 8 Example 3 Example Preparation 5 6.5 4.5 35,100 2.2 9 Example 4 Example Preparation 5 4.3 5.4 164,500 4.2 10 Example 5

Examples of Polymerization Using Supported Catalyst Example 11

The catalyst was prepared by quantifying 30 mg of the supported catalyst prepared in Preparation Example 6 in a dry box, putting it in a 50 mL glass bottle, sealing the same with a rubber diaphragm, and taking the bottle out of the dry box. The polymerization was carried out in a temperature controlled 2 L metal alloy reactor which was equipped with a mechanical stirrer and could be used at high pressure.

After putting 1.2 L of hexane in which 1.0 mmol of triethylaluminum was included in the reactor and adding the supported catalyst prepared above to the reactor without contact with air, the polymerization was carried out at for 1 hr with continuously providing ethylene monomer gas at 80° C. with the pressure of 40 bar. The polymerization was terminated by stopping stirring, and venting and eliminating ethylene gas. The polymerization solvent was eliminated from the obtained polymer by filtering the same, and the polymer was dried at 80° C. for 12 hrs in a vacuum oven.

Example 12

The polymerization was carried out according to the same method as in Example 11, except that the supported catalyst prepared in Preparation Example 7 was used.

Comparative Example 1

The polymerization was carried out according to the same method as in Example 11, except that the supported catalyst prepared in Comparative Preparation Example 1 was used.

Comparative Example 2

The polymerization was carried out according to the same method as in Example 11, except that the supported catalyst prepared in Comparative Preparation Example 2 was used.

The activities of the catalysts, and the molecular weights and distributions of the polymers of Examples 11 to 12 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 are listed in the following Table 2.

TABLE 2 Catalysts Activity Mw Used (unit: kgPE/gCat/hr) (unit: g/mol) Mw/Mn Example 11 Preparation 3.9 1,526,738 2.4 Example 6 Example 12 Preparation 7.3 1,727,133 2.9 Example 7 Comparative Comparative 3.0 1,133,319 2.5 Example 1 Preparation Example 1 Comparative Comparative 5.9 377,265 2.1 Example 2 Preparation Example 2 

1. A metallocene compound, represented by the following Chemical Formula 1:

in Chemical Formula 1, A is hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkoxyalkyl group, a C₃-C₂₀ heterocycloalkyl group, or a C₅-C₂₀ heteroaryl group; D is —O—, —S—, —N(R)—, or —Si(R)(R′)—, wherein R and R′ are same to or different from each other, and are independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, or a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group; L is a C₁-C₁₀ linear or branched alkylene group; B is carbon, silicon, or germanium; Q is hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group; M is a group 4 transition metal; X₁ and X₂ are, same to or different from each other, independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a nitro group, an amido group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, or a C₁-C₂₀ sulfonate group; and C₁ and C₂ are, same to or different from each other, independently represented by any one of the following Chemical Formula 2a and Chemical Formula 2b:

in Chemical Formulae 2a and 2b, R₁ to R₉ and R₁′ to R₉′ are, same to or different from each other, independently hydrogen, a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group, a C₂-C₂₀ alkenyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkylsilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ silylalkyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxysilyl group, a C₁-C₂₀ alkoxy group, a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group, a C₇-C₂₀ alkylaryl group, or a C₇-C₂₀ arylalkyl group.
 2. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein R₁ to R₉ and R₁′ to R₉′ in Chemical Formulae 2a and 2b are independently hydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, octyl group, phenyl group, a halogen group, trimethylsilyl group, triethylsilyl group, tripropylsilyl group, tributylsilyl group, triisopropylsilyl group, trimethylsilylmethyl group, methoxy group, or ethoxy group.
 3. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein L in Chemical Formula 1 is a C₄-C₈ linear or branched alkylene group.
 4. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein A in Chemical Formula 1 is hydrogen, methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, n-butyl group, tert-butyl group, methoxymethyl group, tert-butoxybutyl group, 1-ethoxyethyl group, 1-methyl-1-methoxyethyl group, tetrahydropyranyl group, or tetrahydrofuranyl group.
 5. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2a is one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulae:


6. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by Chemical Formula 2b is one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulae:


7. The metallocene compound according to claim 1, wherein the compound represented by Chemical Formula 1 is one of the compounds represented by the following structural formulae:


8. A catalyst composition, including the metallocene compound according to claim
 1. 9. The catalyst composition according to claim 8, include at least one cocatalyst represented by Chemical Formula 3, Chemical Formula 4, or Chemical Formula 5: —[Al(R10)-O]_(n)—  [Chemical Formula 3] in Chemical Formula 3, each R10 may be same or different, and is independently a halogen; a C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon; or a halogen-substituted C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon; and n is an integer of 2 or more; J(R10)₃  [Chemical Formula 4] in Chemical Formula 4, R10 is same as that in Chemical Formula 3; and J is aluminum or boron; [E-H]⁺[ZA′₄]⁻ or [E]⁺[ZA′₄]⁻  [Chemical Formula 5] in Chemical Formula 5, E is a neutral or cationic Lewis acid; H is hydrogen atom; Z is group 13 element; and each A′ may be same or different, and is independently a C₆-C₂₀ aryl group or a C₁-C₂₀ alkyl group of which at least one hydrogen atom is unsubstituted or substituted with a halogen, a C₁-C₂₀ hydrocarbon, an alkoxy, or phenoxy.
 10. The catalyst composition according to claim 9, wherein the catalyst is supported on a carrier.
 11. The catalyst composition according to claim 10, wherein the carrier is one or more carriers selected from the group consisting of silica, silica-alumina, and silica-magnesia.
 12. A method of preparing an olefinic polymer, including the step of polymerizing olefinic monomers in the presence of the catalyst composition according to claim
 9. 13. The method of preparing an olefinic polymer according to claim 12, wherein the polymerization reaction is carried out according to a solution polymerization process, slurry process, or a gas phase process.
 14. The method of preparing an olefinic polymer according to claim 12, wherein the olefinic monomer is one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of ethylene, propylene, 1-butene, 1-pentene, 4-methyl-1-pentene, 1-hexene, 1-heptene, 1-octene, 1-decene, 1-undecene, 1-dodecene, 1-tetradecene, 1-hexadecene, and 1-eicosene.
 15. An olefinic polymer prepared by the preparation method according to claim
 12. 16. The olefinic polymer according to claim 15, of which the weight average molecular weight is 20,000 to 3,000,000 g/mol. 